GA launches Even Par

Even Par, a program to generate gender equality in Victorian golf clubs, was launched today at the ISPS Handa Vic Open at Barwon Heads.

Fitting at the only global tournament where men and women play simultaneously on the same course for the same prize, Even Par & # 39; s birth promotes the commitment of Golf Australia to equality and inclusiveness at all levels.

Golf Australia's female involvement senior manager Chyloe Kurdas said that Even Par would start pilot program in the Geelong, north-west Melbourne and south-east Melbourne regions.

"The program will consist of a four-part workshop series to increase the capacity of golf clubs and their leaders to achieve greater gender equality for their membership," said Kurdas.

"Golf Australia will support clubs in developing and implementing an action plan to address gender inequality in their clubs.

"From the pilot, we will then evaluate and report both internal and external stakeholders to build a national development program for the development of equality clubs for Australian golf clubs."

Chyloe Kurdas, MyGolfer Claudia Collins and Dr Bridie O & # 39; Donnell at the launch of Even Par.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Bridie O & # 39; Donnell, head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, said that the umbrella of the State of Change our Game program has a "rallying cry" & # 39; was for everyone involved

"There are so many aspects of our society, not just sports, which exist in their present form because those who have influence say" this is the way it has always been done "," said O & # 39; Donnell.

"Even Par is a great way to address that, by expressing ideas in these forums, whether they are easy or difficult to communicate or hear, we will be working on making changes that are more relevant and acceptable to a person new audience, to make sports more attractive. "

The program is part of the delivery by Golf Australia of the Vision 2025: the future of women and girls in golf & strategy;

Four workshops of 90 minutes will be given from March to June in 2019 by Victorian employees of Golf Australia.

Workshops will provide golf clubs with:

– A better understanding of the impact of gender inequality within sports clubs on members, their families and the wider community;

– The relationship between gender inequality and violence against women; and,

– The strength of sports organizations to create more gender equality in the broader community and to have an impact on the lives of their members and their families and communities.

Clubs will receive ongoing support for:

– Review the existing practices in the club;

– Identify opportunities for creating greater gender equality; and,

– Develop, implement and evaluate such strategies.

Workshops also offer opportunities for clubs to share experiences and work together to overcome challenges.